Montesilvano stepped up on his sixth place debut effort to run out a gutsy winner of the Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden at Leopardstown.

Not unfancied(9/2) first time up at Roscommon, the Joseph O'Brien trained colt clearly benefited from that introduction, as he made most of the running under Shane Crosse.

Kicking off the home bend, Crosse soon had his rivals in trouble and despite both Queen Maedbh and favourite Wave Machine staying on late, neither could reel in the winner.

A full-brother to Numerian, Montesilvano should stay further in time.

“It was a nice performance. He missed the kick in Roscommon but stayed on nicely,” O'Brien said.

“He was much more professional today and I think that was a good maiden for an auction maiden. He's a nice horse hopefully.”

When asked if the better ground made a difference he added:-

“I think he'll be fine on easier ground as well, he just missed the break last time and around there first time out it's kind of game over when that happens.

“He could go for a winners race or he could go into a nursery. There is also a Listed race in Tipperary that could be an option. He has plenty of options.

“I don't think he needs to go further than seven at the moment.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson